Previous Contract Updates

We have scheduled for weekly updates on the progress of negotiations from now until we enter the hotel for round the clock bargaining at which time we will be providing daily updates.

Our subcommittees have been meeting often to discuss the issues you have identified and clarify to the Company the proposals.

At this time all we can say is that progress is being made but until we get into the meat and potatoes of the issues, we cannot give any more specifics than that.

Negotiations are tough every time we sit down with this Company as they have a separate agenda in many areas. We ask for your support throughout this process and talk the tough talk on the shop floor as that is how we win for you at the bargaining table. How do you talk tough? Tell the Boeing Managers that you are serious about these issues and are willing to withhold your labor to achieve them. They report directly up the chain to Company side negotiators.

In addition to our previous update, here are some more issues you have identified as needing addressed.

Step Progression -- Members have identified reducing the time necessary to achieve the maximum rate as a priority. It doesn't make sense to many to have a six year progression when most apprenticeships throughout the country take no more than four (4) years to reach journeyperson status.

Labor Grade Advancement Upward -- In addition to shortening the time to reach maximum rate, members identified the need to increase the amount for achieving a higher labor grade. Currently it is .56 cents for each labor grade up.

C.O.L.A. for Retirees -- Members recognize that our retirees cannot sustain a standard of living with inflation eating away at their hard earned pension in retirement. Therefore a cost of living or some form of increase after retirement has been identified as a priority in these negotiations.

Team Leader -- Members have identified many areas of concern with the Team Leader language as needing overhauled. The workforce sub-committee is working diligently to address members concerns with the current Team Leader language.

Material Process and Delivery -- Another area of concern members specifically in Local F have identified is the letter of understanding dealing with the delivery of parts from suppliers to the factory. This was language the company imposed on us in 2002 during a time of severe company advantage due to the economic times. This language has no business in our contract and needs to be addressed accordingly.

It's Our Time... This Time!

In Solidarity:

Your Union Negotiating Committee